OOIDA's new webinar tackles insurance issues

By Land Line staff | Friday, April 26, 2013

Given the choice, most truckers would probably prefer a midnight drive through Hairpin County and Switchback City rather than try to weave their way through the twists and turns of insurance requirements. Fortunately, the latest webinar OOIDA is offering aims to cut a clear path for drivers and tell them what to watch out for on the way.

The minimum requirements for insurance coverage are outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49:387.7-387.419, but the latest webinar will also help drivers and owners determine what types of coverage they need to protect themselves and their businesses.

“Here’s the message: Guys understand that their driving record has a lot to do with what their premiums are going to be,” said webinar host Tom Gann. “But the driving records of all the guys they lease on to also have an effect on what those premiums are going to be.”

Gann said the one-hour, 20-minute webinar features special guest Lea Francis, a licensed insurance agent with OOIDA. Topics will include required coverages as well as supplemental coverages.

“There’s a lot of things to check out that have an effect on the bottom line, at least, that was one of the big surprises to me when we were recording this,” Gann said. “The CSA score of the carrier also has an effect.”

Gann said drivers may also be at risk for inadequate insurance when operating without a load.

“One of the things a lot of people don’t realize is if they’re moving their truck and they’re not under load, they may not be covered,” he said. “Some coverages, if you’re taking the truck down to be repaired, and you’re bob-tailing, you may not be covered on that little excursion.”

Catch the live broadcast on Thursday, May 2, or view it in the archive afterward at your convenience. There will be time after the live broadcast for questions and answers.

Few business-training seminars offer OOIDA’s experience and knowledge of trucking-related topics, especially those relevant to owner-operators. The 2013 series is no exception.

This series of webinars gives truckers a one-two punch with some programs designed to help drivers understand rules, regulations and industry requirements, while other courses teach participants about the business side of trucking.

Webinars cover topics such as transitioning from company driver to owner-operator, the authority process, using load boards and more.

OOIDA designed the program with convenience and truckers’ schedules in mind.

“Webinars are presented by industry professionals in a user-friendly format delivered directly to the participant’s computer,” Gann said.

Programs can be viewed during the original airing, and participants can revisit the material later at their convenience. Or they can sign up to view any program in the easy-to-access archive files, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There are two programs a month, each lasting about an hour. All programs are designed to help drivers at all levels in their career. Truckers may purchase the entire course, or choose individual programs, or pick several webinars with smaller, affordable package deals.

For more information, visit ooida.com/webinar, or call 800-444-5791, or follow the webinar series on Facebook.